Discover the future of event planning in the Southeast at our February Education Meeting! Join us for an insightful panel presentation on the latest trends, tips, and key insights for meeting planners sourcing destinations in our region.

Our expert panelists will be your GPS for major events in the Southeast in 2024. They’ve got the deets on how to tap into local resources, throw an event that’s more than just “meh,” and navigate the maze of city and state event planning like a boss. Whether you’re organizing a small gathering or a large-scale event, this session will equip you with the tools needed to create unforgettable experiences.

Basic meetings are so last season – don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and elevate your event planning skills. Mark your calendar and be part of the conversation shaping the future of meetings and events in the Southeast.

But wait – there’s more! Stick around after the presentation for a networking happy hour.

Event Details:
Date: February 15, 2024
Time: 4pm-7pm EST
Location: Live! At the Battery Atlanta
Parking: Red Deck: 2565 Circle 75 Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Validation will be provided for this deck only)

Registration Information

REGISTRATION & FEES
Member:                         $45
Non-Member:                 $55
Faculty/Student:             $25

But Wait, There’s More!!

Register by Tuesday, February 13th and be entered into a drawing to win one the following prizes donated Cobb Travel & Tourism

• 4 tickets to a 2024 regular season Braves game at Truist Park

• $100 GIFT CARD to LIVE @ The Battery

• 2021 Atlanta Braves World Series Replica Ring

** Must be present to win. Braves game tickets are subject to availability

RSVP BELOW to secure your spot in this educational and inspiring event!

RSVP NOW

Hosted Planner Registration

Member & non-member meeting professionals may, in one calendar year, attend one educational lunch, social event or destination event, courtesy of a sponsorship from Cobb Travel & Tourism.

Sponsored complimentary registrations for each event are limited and will be offered on a first come basis.

Please email Chris Colbert, Director of Membership to arrange: [email protected]

Meet Our Panelists

Amanda Dyson-Thornton
Executive Director
Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB)

Amanda Dyson-Thornton serves as Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (GACVB), the unified voice, education, and leadership development resource for our state’s destination marketing organizations. Dyson’s hospitality career began at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau where she held several roles during her time there, including Domestic Tourism Manager, Marketing Manager, National Sales Manager and mostly recently Director of Membership, Corporate Events and Visitor Services. A native of Atlanta, Dyson received her BFA in Theatre Management from Valdosta State University and has her Travel Marketing Professional (TMP) designation from the Southeast Tourism Society. Dyson lives in Atlanta with her husband, Craig and her two children Adam and Lily.

Brenda Dempsey
Director – Southern Region
Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC)

Brenda Dempsey, known to many in the convention and hospitality industry, has led the southern region of the sales department for the NCVC, based in Atlanta, since July 2004.

With over 40 years in the industry, Dempsey continually cultivates the true Southern hospitality and ultimate experience that helped grow the southeast market for Nashville into the #1 producing region of the convention sales team. Over the years, Dempsey’s accounts have included Etherio, Kellen Group, Chick-fil-A, National Wild Turkey Federation, HCA Healthcare, HealthTrust, among many more.

In addition, Dempsey has served as the NCVC’s liaison for Conference Direct—both locally and globally—as well as HelmsBriscoe. She’s also been very active with numerous organizations to include the Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE), the Southeast Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), Society of Incentive Travel (SITE), and Meeting Professionals International, where she served as a past president of both the Georgia Chapter of MPI and the Carolinas Chapter of MPI. Dempsey is also a Past President of the Southeast Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).

Fundraising Opportunity

At the PCMA Southeast February Education Meeting and Reception, our community is excited to support Therrell High School’s softball team through the Atlanta Braves Foundation Most Valuable Teacher Program. We will raise funds to donate a pitching machine to the team. Send your donation through the PCMA SE Venmo account or bring cash to donate on-site. We look forward to providing these talented young women with the equipment they need to hone their skills and talents!

Scan this QR code to donate directly to the PCMA Southeast Venmo account